Capital magistrates target overpricing, beggars, encroachers

Conduct 648 inspections, arrest 29 violators, impose Rs84,000 fines

ISLAMABAD:

All magistrates on Friday launched a rigorous campaign targeting overpricing, encroachments and panhandling across the federal capital’s bustling markets, inspecting 648 places, arresting 29 accused and imposing Rs84,000 worth of fines to violators.

ICT spokesperson Dr Abdullah Tabassum said that this proactive approach aimed to ensure fair pricing, maintain public spaces and curb the nuisance of professional beggars during the holy month of Ramazan and beyond.

During the inspections of all three Ramazan bazaars, which were set up by the district administration, magistrates accompanied by the district administration teams apprehended 13 individuals for flouting price regulations and imposed Rs84,000 fines.

Similarly, the teams intensified efforts against alms-seeking and arrested 14 beggars from different areas of the city and handed them over to different police stations, Abdullah said.

Furthermore, an anti-encroachment operation cleared encroachments from different paths, roads and markets, he said, adding that two illegal filling agencies were impounded and two individuals involved in malpractice were detained.

The spokesman emphasised the paramount importance of ensuring the consistent availability of essential commodities at government-mandated rates. This multi-faceted operation underscored a sustained commitment to upholding public welfare and civic order, with daily efforts underway to tackle inflation, illegal occupation, and begging across Islamabad's bustling landscape, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 30^th, 2024.